Sri Lanka Nuwara Eliya

Tour overview

Many would agree and say there is no other country in the world like Sri Lanka. A smiling sun all year round with golden beaches, ancient cities, exciting safaris, colorful culture, adventure sport and lovely people, where else can you get all these in one place?

This little exotic island is abundant with marvelous discoveries for any tourist. Be it a journey of exploring the wilderness, an Ayurveda wellness holiday, a relaxing get-away in the sun, or even that quick business trip, there is something for everyone.

A wonderful mix of modern towns and rural villages, there are star class hotels and boutique villas spotted around the country as the Sri Lankan tourist sector is booming following the end of the civil war in 2009.

The Island is with well-connected transport systems or organized tours will see you visiting many a place in this island. Enjoy the sun while lounging on beach at Bentota, sighting Palmyra trees in Jaffna, snorkeling or kite surfing at Kalpitiya or surfing the waves of Arugambay, National Parks where you can discover leopards while on Safari, be awed of ruins in Anuradhapura, visit orphaned elephants at Pinnawela or climb 5th century rock fortress in Sigiriya. And as you make your way up to the cooling climes, take a walk in the sprawling botanical gardens in Kandy, visit the misty Horton Plains, and sip Ceylon tea at a tea estate in Nuwara Eliya.

And there is a lot to take back home along with those precious and memorable memories you make, while holidaying in this friendly island. Dazzling gems, vibrant batiks, tantalizing spices, creative crafts, a enviable tan and surely a whole network of friends to keep in touch!

Itinerary

Daily Itinerary

Negombo (1N)/ Kalutara (2N) & Colombo (1N)

Day 01:You will be met by our representative at the Bandaranayake International Airport, Arrival Lobby and after all formalities (Baggage Check / Currency Exchange if required) Transfer to the respective hotel in Negombo. Arrive at the hotel and check in.

Sightseeing Highlights / Description -

Dubbed Sri Lanka’s ‘Little Rome’, this beach town located just a few kilometers away from the Bandaranaike International Airport is full of surprises for wanderlusts.

Negombo is a perfect choice to spend a few days in the company of the sun and sand. The diverse array of restaurants, pubs and accommodation choices this metropolis offer is a perfect reflection of this beach-town’s exultant vibe.

It is also a historically interesting location owing to the strains of Dutch-influenced architecture that remain intact in the town’s landscape, not to mention the ancient Dutch Fort as well as several churches constructed during the Dutch Colonial era that are thronged by pilgrims daily.

Among other amazing sightseeing options are the breathtaking sunsets, the bustling fish market as well as hand-made catamarans used by local fishermen that set sail in the evenings. Boat-rides are also available to explore the Dutch canals, mangrove forests or the nearby marshlands of Muthurajawela.

Day 02 :After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to the South Coast Beach Hotel in Kalutara.

Kalutara is a resort town located along the Southern costal line. The town is frequented by travelers who are drawn to the abundance of sightseeing locations as well as the exotic Ayurvedic retreats and spas in the area that offer tranquil experiences of spiritual and physical healing, meditation as well as detoxing treatments.

This semi-urban area was once an important spice-trading center but is well known today for its coconut palm gardens, fine basket-ware and the juiciest mangos teens. Among the sightseeing opportunities and things to do in the area is the magnificent Gangathilake stupa (a mound-like structure that bears Buddhist relics), the Richmond Castle – a mansion inspired by colonial architecture located bordering the sea midst a 42 acre fruit garden and the Lunuganga estate for sights of its striking architecture.

Day 03-Breakfast at the hotel and proceed on the below given option excursion or spend the rest of the holiday in the south at leisure.

Sightseeing Highlights / Description –

Galle City Tour– After breakfast let's leave on a Half day City tour of Galle and explore this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a spellbinding mixture of Dutch, Portuguese and British history. Its oozes colonial charm with an eclectic range of low rise European architecture, tucked down a lace of narrow lanes and alleyways. The tour is part driven and part walking and covers the important highlights within the fort. These include the thick walled ramparts that withstood the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. It explores the chain of huge bastions that guard Galle Fort from the outside world. It explores the Dutch Reformed Church, the Dutch Government House and the Maritime Museum. Your guide will also take you to Meera Mosque, which was built in 1904 as well as the All Saints Church that was built in 1871. The fort today offers a plethora of cafes, restaurants, vintage shops, chic boutiques and art galleries. **You could also enjoy LUNCH at a CAFÉ inside the fort**

Madu River boat excursion– A beautiful river that nestles midst the greenery of southern Sri Lanka, is the second largest wetland in the country.

Brimming with a rich eco-system nourished by the shallow water body, its pristine mangrove swamps are home to over 240 species of various vertebrate animals as well as crabs, shrimp and even several agile crocodiles that can be spotted when they crawl out of their abodes to bask in sunlight!

The Maduganga river zone consists of two main islands and close to 30 islets and provides shelter to over 200 families whose main income source is cinnamon. Boat rides are available to visitors who are interested in exploring its environs, where they could observe the various aquatic animals and plants within the river’s eco system up-close and watch the nature’s magic work its way when the sea water mixes with the fresh water of the Maduganga.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery– Which was established in 1981, the Kosgoda turtle hatchery in the Southern province was one of the earliest attempts to safeguard local turtles from extinction.

Managed by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Protection Society, the Kosgoda hatchery offers a wildlife experience of a different sort. Its visitors are offered the opportunity to watch new-born turtles as well as some rare species of adult turtles including Olive Ridley, the Hawksbill, the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead and the Leatherback, swimming about the massive tanks as they beat their flippers against the water.

The hatchery accepts eggs collected by local fishermen in the night and are preserved until they are hatched. Once the hatchlings are two –four days old, they are released into the sea and you can be part of that amazing experience if you visit the hatchery past 6.30 pm.

Day 04 -:Leave for Colombo after breakfast at the hotel and upon arrival at Colombo we will proceed direct to the hotel and check in. Thereafter you will be picked up once again in the late afternoon and will proceed to explore the city of Colombo.

Sightseeing Highlights / Description –

Colombo, while driving through our Highway to reach the City of Colombo, Upon arriving in Colombo, Lets continue on a sightseeing tour of Colombo, visiting the Colombo business district area, Colombo Town Hall, Galle face Green, Old Parliament area and Colombo shopping arcades.

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port – Colombo, is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan that accommodates skyscrapers, sandy beaches and a collage of markets and gardens, brings together the many facets of this island nation. If you are on a tight schedule, you would definitely appreciate the many opportunities Colombo offers for fine-dining and shopping, not to mention the overarching beauty of the city’s rapidly developing landscape; a perfect combination of well-preserved colonial architecture and urbanity.

Meanwhile, if you are free to spend a few days in the city you will be amazed by the many cultural and historical wonders located within locales such as Fort and Cinnamon Gardens. The bustling market streets of Pettah also make up for an interesting place of visit.

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up 4 hours prior to departure from your respective hotel in Colombo to leave to Bandaranayake International Airport.